A Brighter Smile: One Hour Teeth Whitening

We all strive to have beautiful white teeth, that’s why we spend so much time brushing our teeth in the mornings, using proper flossing techniques and, of course, scheduling regular visits with our dentists. It was because of this desire that teeth whitening techniques were developed and integrated into regular dental practice, where they’ve been a benefit to the industry for 15 years. Our patients love the beautiful white smiles these procedures can offer, and one of the most popular treatments takes only one hour.

How The Process Works

Teeth whitening is a relatively simple process, using a combination of two bleaching agents in that work to break down the stains on your teeth. The blending of medical-grade hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide is applied for the length of an hour, resulting in a brighter, more beautiful smile.

Will One Hour Teeth Whitening Work On My Teeth?

Many forms of staining on teeth can benefit from this process, though some of the factors that have to be considered is the source of the staining, as well as the color. Yellow teeth respond quite well to bleaching, while brown teeth or graying teeth typically don’t respond as well, or at all. Caps, crowns, fillings, and veneers are all immune to the whitening process, and medications or tooth injuries that lead to staining won’t be affected either.

What Are My Other Options For Teeth Whitening?

There are several whitening options at your disposal, and each one can be more or less effective than the others.

Toothpastes – These kinds of toothpaste are FDA approved and contain special ingredients that make them capable of whitening and polishing your teeth. These kinds of toothpaste are quite effective at cleaning the surface of the tooth but don’t change the color of the tooth itself.

Chairside Bleaching – This method of bleaching is done in the office, and takes approximately an hour to complete. A special medical grade bleaching process is used that requires the application of a protective gel or rubber shield to protect the gums from this high strength material. This process is quick and effective, getting dramatic results after a single visit.

Bleaching At Home – Bleaching at home is possible through store-bought systems available at your local pharmacy. Whether coming in a gel or as a strip, these use a significantly lower strength bleaching agent than that used by your dentist. If you decide to go this route, expect a week or more before you see results, and consult with your dentist before beginning. Most importantly, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package.

What Side-Effects Can Occur From Teeth Whitening?

The most common side effect of teeth whitening is increased sensitivity following the procedure. The substances used to generate the whitening effect create this sensitivity, and it often passes quickly following the procedure. If you experience increased sensitivity then it is wise to wait a bit before attempting whitening again to give the teeth time to recover. If you want the most dramatic, immediate effects contact your dentist to schedule a teeth whitening today!